Skip to main content
Blue 2020 Honda Civic Type R driving around a corner

Best Compact Car of 2020: The Experts Can’t Agree

Compact cars may have lost little of their popularity due to the upward trend of the modern crossover SUV. But the compacts are still a raging segment. There are tons to choose from, too. From the basic budget cars to the amenity-packed luxury cars, there is a compact car for everyone. But which one is …

Compact cars may have lost little of their popularity due to the upward trend of the modern crossover SUV. But the compacts are still a raging segment. There are tons to choose from, too. From the basic budget cars to the amenity-packed luxury cars, there is a compact car for everyone. But which one is the best? According to the experts, these are the winners of the best 2020 compact car.

Kelley Blue Book – 2020 Honda Civic

The winner of Kelley Blue Book’s Compact Car Best Buy for the Money Award for the 2020 model year is the Honda Civic. The 2020 Honda Civic is commended by KBB for offering buyers the most options. The Honda Civic has multiple engine options as well as the choice between the sedan, coupe, or hatchback. It is practical and sporty, class-leading in offered amenities, and it all comes at price that boasts tremendous value. This winning 2020 compact car starts at just $20,680.

J.D. Power – 2020 Nissan Leaf

For J.D. Power, it was a different story. For this award, J.D. Powers rates cars depending on feedback from actual new car owners. The Nissan Leaf wins the 2020 Dependability Compact Car Awards this year due to having the least number of problems reported per 100 Leafs. The 2020 Nissan Leaf starts at $31,600.

2020 Nissan Leaf Electric Car
2020 Nissan Leaf compact five-door hatchback battery electric vehicle on display at Brussels Expo | Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Consumer Reports – 2020 Honda Fit

Another Honda in the top spot. On the Consumer Reports list of 2020’s Best Small Cars, the Honda Fit reigns supreme. This car is a delight for buyers on a budget. It earned an overall score of 71, starts from $16,190 – $20,620, and beat out 25 other small cars for the Consumer Reports Title.

MotorTrend – 2020 Toyota Corolla

For MotorTrend, the 2020 Toyota Corolla takes the win as the best compact passenger car of its 2020 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value Award. MotorTrend’s Alex Leanse wrote, “in its debut year, the Corolla Hybrid triumphed in the Compact Passenger Car class.” The Corolla has enjoyed countless wins over the years and is a reliable favorite with a starting price point of $19,600 for the non-hybrid.

a blue Toyota Corolla driving in the country
2020 Toyota Corolla | Toyota

Car and Driver – Honda Civic

Another win for the Civic. Car and Driver bestows its Editor’s Choice Award for the best 2020 compact car on the 2020 Honda Civic. Car and Driver calls the Civic a “well-rounded compact car that goes above and beyond its stellar reputation.”

Edmunds – 2020 Honda Civic

bright blue Honda Civic sedan
2020 Honda Civic Si Sedan

The Honda Civic wins, yet again. For the Edmunds list of Best Small Sedans, the 2020 Civic wins for its value, earning praise for “combining excellent performance with modern features, practicality, and comfort.” They also mention that the Honda Civic’s fuel mileage is 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway––among the best in its class.

US News and World Report – 2020 Volkswagen GTI

US News and World Report names the winner of its Best Compact Cars for 2020 list the 2020 VW GTI. The review claims “this is one of the most well-rounded cars in the class, with playful handling, comfortable seats, and plenty of space for people and cargo.” The Volkswagen GTI has a starting price range of $28,595 – $37,295.

2020 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Edition
2020 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn Edition | Volkswagen

The winning 2020 compact car

Though all of these are winners to someone, it’s pretty obvious that the Honda Civic takes the overall win. The 2020 Honda Civic is a versatile compact car that boasts many options as well as a great price tag. It carries both Honda reliability and proven performance. However, all of the cars on the list are worth a closer look as they each represent the best compact car of 2020.

Related

5 Reasons Why the Toyota Corolla Is Better than the Honda Civic